Walking a Fine Line: #1….Between Sizes

BACK AT WORK!
  Jacket : Stein Mart
Top: Marshalls
Skirt: Lane Bryant
Headband & Shoes: Target

Last Friday morning, my daughter and I went to a cake tasting for her wedding. According to my sweet baby J, I attacked the cake and left her only two bites!! She said she looked away for a moment and when she looked back….only crumbs!


While I do think she exaggerates a bit, I confess that I have missed cake…and cupcakes…and ice cream…and brownies!! (Sigh) But the really great news is that after 45 days, I am down 22 pounds and need to keep it going…so no more cake! Last spring, I was a size 20W….today, I am on the fine line between several different sizes depending on the store and the designer or brand. Therefore, clothes shopping can be very frustrating. In some places, I am a 16W. In others, the 16W is too big. In others, I am a clear 16 with no W!! (thank you Talbots and Jones of New York). I still do not understand why there has to be so much difference, but it does force me to take time to try things on before the purchase.

Bracelet:  Stein Mart


I have taken almost all of the 20 sized clothes to resale ….not going back there ever…and I am rapidly beginning to weed out all of the 18s. Styling clothes these days can be a challenge. I tend to be on the line between too baggy or too tight, with only a few items which now fit perfectly.


I am wondering…how some of you handle it when you are between sizes. Do you not shop at all or do you have any advice for those of us in between? I would love to hear any suggestions.

21 Comments

  1. I also have a pile of "should consign or donate" in my closet. But then I gain five pounds and it makes me fearful of letting go of those items.

    For when I'm losing weight I like to wear more skirts. Not fitted like pencil skirts, but ones that are a little more flowy. They're forgiving of considerable fluctuations. When I'm gaining weight and having a muffintop kind of morning, it's all about layering on top to camoflauge it. Jackets, cardis, etc.

    I was just creeping into a size ten for a while, but this last five pounds settled me firmly back in 12. Thats okay. I have a lot of cute 12s. 🙂

  2. Congratulations! Sounds like you're doing it at a healthy, sustainable rate. Your ideal lab work numbers are definitely in reach! And I think you should have some great-fitting and great-looking clothes for whatever size you are now–you deserve it.

  3. You definitely do not look like a size 16, your camera does not add 10#!!! 🙂 A personal question – are you tall? I am 5'10' so can handle sz 14 and look alright….not good. If it were me I'd buy a couple of sale or thirft items but not spend too much, esp when you are not at your goal weight (and are sure you will attain it).

  4. Good for you! I find that during weight transitions, knits and other clothes with a lot of stretch are key. As soon as anything starts to fit toward the baggy side, it goes into the donation pile.

  5. Congrats on the 22 lbs – that's fantastic! While loosing weight I try to focus my shopping on items that will continue to fit – accessories and shoes along with some shirts and dresses if they are on a good bargain or thrifted. I find those items can still fit even if weight is lost because you can belt them, etc.

    Also, love that LB skirt – I have thought about buying it a couple of times but keep holding off because of loosing some weight myself.

  6. If I were you, I would shop for the size you are, realistically, aiming to.
    You have killer legs that should never, ever be trapped in trousers, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
    Skirts make you look so thin, Pam.
    So proud of you my dear friend.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  7. Discrepancy of sizes between stores, and even within stores is an on going problem for everyone, no matter what size you are. Size charts online are huge big fat lies. It is a wonder anyone can find any clothes to fit them at all. I think many times I'll buy things with this mentality that I just make it work somehow. A belt, a cardigan, a safety pin…

    Glad you are sticking with your diet and doing so well!

    Chic on the Cheap

  8. Congrats on the weight loss!! You look great! I've recently lost weight myself, and plan on losing a little more, so I'm holding off on new jeans until then. In the meantime I feel safe buying dresses and tops (most of the time), and of course, shoes. 🙂

  9. I am often in between, or very different sizes on top and bottom. It helps to make friends with a tailor and buy items with stretch 🙂

  10. No help to your questions, but super congrats to you!
    That is awesome. You are shrinking before my eyes.
    The sizing of clothing is ridiculous!!
    Men's clothes seem so cut and dry, but then again most men have no vanity about a size lol

  11. Pam, for those in between sizes, I would recommend skirts (like what you have above). If tops are too big, try belting them. You may discover a new way to wear something. Necessity is the mother of invention, eh? I think you look so FABULOUS! It seems like when you're losing weight, there are one or two sizes that you just fly through or skip completely! Congratulations you MINX!!! ~Serene

  12. You are looking so fab Pam, congrats on all of your weight loss girl!! Id sooo shop for the size you are now….you have alot to show off and to be proud of. Im kinda sad the weight loss group fizzled out, there wasnt anyone really posting, perhaps everyone is too busy:(
    You look great…keep up the great work!!

    Stop by and say Hello:)
    Statements in Fashion Blog♥

  13. Well first of all, congratulations!!! You most definitely deserved some cake. 🙂 And you look awesome in that outfit, I love the bracelet and the teal color in the top! That skirt is so fun too!

    Okay now for being in between sizes. Shop clearance for things that are inexpensive so you won't mind only wearing a few times. Invest in belts so that things that become too big can be cinched to function at least a few more times. Plus belts can usually stick around longer, especially skinny ones that can be tied when they're too big. Or you can just punch more holes into them.

    Come take a look inside A Working Mom's Closet

  14. Two years ago I had a heart attack and that forced some lifystyle changes. I now longer smoke. With that being said, my size changed – radically. I'm now "thick". I've replaced my clothing. Nothing, absolutley nothing seems to help with weight loss. I'm healthier than I've been in years, just thick. <> The only 'junk' I allow myself is dark chocolate. My cardiologist said not to deprive myself. So I reward myself with it. I especially love Dove chocolates as they have a little saying inside the wrapper. BTW, a serving is five pieces. I maybe have three at the max.

    I've trying to go more vegetarian in my eating, and with all the wonderful choices, it's not difficult.

    So, good for you in losing weight! Keep up the good work and as a side note, I do take hand-me-downs!

  15. Congrats on the 22! Thats alot of hard work and sacrifice. You've reminded me I need to go to the gym tonight. See, your so motivating!
    I had a whole list of suggestions but after reading thru your lovely readers comments it looks as if they have it covered.
    Skirts.
    Belts- try belting at your natural waist.(You could def do this with the outfit you wore today. A belt can do miracles.
    play w fun accessories and a few basics till you get where your happy.
    Looks like your doin a great job. Keep it up and like my hubby says, "We're rootin for ya!"

  16. I have to share this with you. When our daughter was a teenager, she thought the "W" meant "WIDE"!!! Little did she know how right she was!!! I think of that every time I see that "W"!!! Congrats on the weight loss!!!

  17. First of all, wow, Pam, congratulations on that huge loss! You are doing a great job!

    Secondly, please don't deny yourself cake once in a while! If you deprive yourself, you run a very high risk of rebounding and overdoing it. Make one night a week "Treat Night" (I do it Saturday night, the evening after my weekly WW weigh-in, because I start fresh with my tracker on Sunday) and have some of what you love! That way, you'll always know that you can have your cake and eat it too! (I couldn't resist. 🙂 Hee hee!)

  18. First of all congrats on your weight loss. I'm doing the same thing (42 lbs. gone) and still need to lose more – sigh! It's not easy, especially at my age. I've noticed that pants are the first thing to be too big. I depend on belts to cinch things in and wear my tops on the outside. I have also discovered thrift store shopping because I can buy jeans there for $14 vs $50 for a new pair at the mall. Once pants get baggy in the behind, then it is time to buy a new pair. I stick with basic black. They go with everything and no one knows if you have one pair or a dozen.

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